Many historians argue that without French aid the colonists could never have won their independence. How did France help the colonists in the...

The kingdoms of France and England were enemies for centuries before the colonists pressed for independence from England. The French were bitter about their recent loss to England in the Seven Year's War. While not feeling any particular sense of commitment to the colonists, the French could not resist the opportunity to stick it to the Brits.

The French secretly sent money, munitions, tents and uniforms early in the Revolution. Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in...

The kingdoms of France and England were enemies for centuries before the colonists pressed for independence from England. The French were bitter about their recent loss to England in the Seven Year's War. While not feeling any particular sense of commitment to the colonists, the French could not resist the opportunity to stick it to the Brits.

The French secretly sent money, munitions, tents and uniforms early in the Revolution. Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in this relationship. As a representative of the colonies, Franklin, spent a lot of time in France persuading King Louis XIV to commit fully to the American cause.

After the colonial victory at Saratoga, the French signed formal agreements that established a true alliance between the two parties. The French sent military experts to train the colonial soldiers. French units fought alongside the Colonial Army in battle. The naval support supplied by the French was of greatest significance as the colonists were underequipped in that area.

The alliance guaranteed that neither the French nor the colonists would sign peace agreements with Britain until independence was guaranteed. This was important because the British at different times in the conflict seemed willing to offer compromises to the colonists.